MIPCOM 2012 Preview: A Note from the Editors

September 26, 2012 World Screen

NEW YORK: World Screen’s editors provide a snapshot of the highlights of our record-breaking, 642-page MIPCOM edition, the biggest and most ambitious endeavor in our 27-year history.

As we started pulling together this MIPCOM edition—right after we had wrapped our MIPTV issue!—we had an inkling that we were on to something special. But as we put this issue to bed this week, even we were a little taken aback by what we had achieved.

We are known for our signature special reports—a comprehensive trend feature followed by a host of Q&As focused on that particular topic. Every MIPCOM we produce one big-picture feature; this time we have two. In the first, our London-based special projects editor, Jay Stuart, takes a comprehensive look at television advertising today as it faces the threat of DVRs and online video, and Anna Carugati, World Screen’s group editorial director, talks to a range of executives to provide further insight into how they are addressing developments in the market. The group assembled includes four of the world’s top commercial broadcasters—RTL Group, ITV, TV Globo and Fuji Media—plus leading media buyer GroupM.

Anna also worked with Elizabeth Guider on our comprehensive look at comedy, which many say is experiencing a renaissance today. Studio toppers spoke to Elizabeth about the successes they’re having globally, while a slew of writers, creators and stars shared with Anna their insights into making people laugh.

As you’ll see from the rundown below, this issue delivers an unprecedented mix of senior level executives, creators, writers and stars. The common thread across the book is creativity—whether it’s the head of a broadcaster looking to diversify revenues or expand globally, the leader of an ad agency innovating the 30-second spot, a writer or producer looking for a new spin on a genre, or on-screen talent eyeing new ways to delight audiences. Gracing our cover is the iconic chef Gordon Ramsay, who has parlayed a fiery temper and passion for food into a veritable trans-Atlantic production empire that encompasses global hit shows like Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares and the U.S. edition of Shine’s MasterChef.

Here’s a full rundown of what you’ll find in this ambitious edition. Follow the links below to access our digital editions online or on your iPad.

World Screen

The special report on the TV ad market includes extensive interviews with RTL Group’s Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch, ITV’s Adam Crozier, TV Globo’s Octavio Florisbal, Fuji’s Hisashi Hieda, FOX International Channels’ Hernán López, Electus’s Ben Silverman, GroupM’s Irwin Gotlieb and Time Warner’s Kristen O’Hara.
Our look at comedy includes Q&As with Modern Family’s Steven Levitan, Episodes’ David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, Veep’s Armando Iannucci, Nurse Jackie’s Edie Falco, Comedy Central’s Doug Herzog, New Girl’s Liz Meriwether, The Office’s Ricky Gervais, Californication’s David Duchovny, Devious Maids’ Marc Cherry and Web Therapy’s Lisa Kudrow.
Aaron Sorkin talks about his new HBO series, The Newsroom.
A chat with Vince Gilligan, the creator of AMC’s hit series Breaking Bad.
A report on some of the Canada’s leading producer-distributors, plus an interview with Entertainment One’s Darren Throop.
Emilio Azcárraga, the chairman and CEO of Televisa and MIPCOM’s Personality of the Year, talks about expansion plans.
Haim Saban talks about the potential of the U.S. Hispanic market and growth opportunities in Asia.
Ricardo Salinas Pliego leads a diversified media group that includes the Mexican broadcaster Azteca.

Read it here.

TV Europe

Period dramas from Europe are receiving critical acclaim and devoted audiences across the globe.
With drama exports surging in popularity and a percolating demand for formats, Turkey is attracting a wealth of international attention.
The Mediaset channels Italia 1 and Rete 4 celebrate a milestone anniversary.
Ricky Gervais talks about his new show, Derek.
Andrew Davies on re-creating turn-of-the-century London for ITV’s Mr Selfridge.
In her first interview since being promoted to CEO of FremantleMedia, Cecile Frot-Coutaz discusses the strengths of the company.

Read it here.

TV Kids

What goes into making successful comedies for kids?
On-demand platforms are reshaping the business.
Haim Saban on the enduring appeal of Power Rangers.
Russell T Davies talks about his new CBBC show Wizards Vs Aliens.
Joe Godwin, the director of BBC Children’s, on the strengths of CBBC and CBeebies.
Lisa Henson talks about the innovative production techniques and commitment to quality at The Jim Henson Company.
Pierre Belaïsch provides an update on what’s happening at Alphanim.
A profile of BRB at 40.

Read it here.

TV Kids Special Reports

Cartoon Network’s 20th Birthday: Interviews with Stuart Snyder and Rob Sorcher, plus the channel’s major milestones.
Brand Licensing Europe: Hot properties for BLE, plus an interview with Média-Participations’ Claude de Saint Vincent.

TV Formats: Tenth Anniversary Edition!

Ten years since creating the first dedicated magazine for the format business, we look at how the business has evolved by speaking to some of its leading players.
Producers and distributors are coming up with new spins on the ever-popular dating genre.
John de Mol discusses the mega-hit The Voice and other new formats coming out of Talpa Media.
Cecile Frot-Coutaz reflects on her years leading FremantleMedia’s U.S. production arm as she assumes the CEO role at the company.
Mark Burnett, slated for a MIPCOM keynote this year, sheds light on what he looks for in new concepts to adapt for the U.S.

Read it here.

TV Real

The popularity of celebrity-based TV shows.
Producers of historical programming are breathing new life into the genre.
David Attenborough talks about the wonders, and pitfalls, of 3D.
Michael Palin on the joys of being a globetrotting travel filmmaker.
Iconic news anchor Christiane Amanpour has a new show for CNN International.

Read it here.

TV Asia Pacific

The pan-regional brands heading to CASBAA are firmly focused on expanding their reach further into local markets and boosting ad revenues.
Fuji’s Hisashi Hieda talks about new-media developments.
KBS’ Kim In-Kyu on driving further growth in the export of Korean content.
Zubin Gandevia speaks about how FOX International Channels is expanding its dominance in Asia.

Read it here.

TV Middle East & Africa

The satellite-broadcasting business is coming to grips with channel jamming, fierce rivalries and increased competition.
Homeland snagged the coveted Emmy for best drama series this week; Avi Nir, who heads up Keshet Media, producer of the series that inspired Homeland, talks about Israeli creativity.

Read it here.

TV Latina

Latin American distributors are making inroads globally with high-quality drama series.
The latest media developments in the rapidly evolving Brazilian market.
Televisa’s Emilio Azcárraga on his growth plans for the Mexican media giant.

Read it here.

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